TL;DR: Download files in a flow with ‘Upload file from URL’ for public files, or an authenticated HTTP request plus ‘Create file’ for protected ones.

Downloading files in a flow works differently depending on whether the file is openly accessible or behind authentication. Use the right action for each case: a simple URL action for public files, and an authenticated HTTP request for protected ones.

💡 Challenge

Public and password-protected files need different handling, one approach doesn’t cover both accessibility and security.

✅ Solution

Use two methods depending on the source: Upload file from URL for public files, and HTTP request + Create file for files that require authentication.

🔧 How it’s done

1. Public files

🔸 Use the Upload file from URL action, straightforward for files that are openly accessible online.

2. Password-protected files

🔸 Use an HTTP request with the correct authentication headers to fetch the file, then a Create file action to save the returned content.

🎉 Result

A reliable, secure process for downloading and saving files regardless of whether they’re public or protected.

🌟 Key Advantages

🔸 Secure handling of sensitive, authenticated files.

🔸 Simple path for public files with a single action.

🔸 Streamlined file management in your Power Platform solutions.

🛠️ FAQ

Q1: What file types can I download and save?

Many formats work, documents (PDF, Word, Excel), images (JPG, PNG) and others supported by Power Automate.

Q2: How do I handle authentication for protected files?

Use the HTTP action with the appropriate authentication (Basic, Bearer token or OAuth) for the source’s security requirements.

Q3: Are there size limits when downloading files?

Yes. Power Automate has file-size and execution-time limits. For large files, consider chunking or premium connectors.

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